A New York Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, or in the Alternative, for a New Trial, can be filed in cases involving prejudicial statements at trial that may have impacted the outcome. This motion gives the opposing party the opportunity to challenge the jury's decision based on the alleged prejudicial statements. Here are some key points to consider regarding this motion: 1. Overview of the Motion: A Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (NOV) is filed by the losing party after an unfavorable jury verdict. This motion argues that there was insufficient evidence to support the jury's decision, and a judgment should be entered in favor of the moving party instead. Alternatively, a Motion for a New Trial can be filed based on prejudicial statements made during the trial. 2. Prejudicial Statements: Prejudicial statements refer to remarks made during a trial that unfairly biased the jury against one party. These statements can be intentional or unintentional and could include inflammatory language, improper character attacks, or misleading evidence presented by opposing counsel. 3. Grounds for a NOV or New Trial: To succeed in their motion, the moving party must demonstrate that the prejudicial statements had a significant impact on the outcome of the trial. This requires showing that if it weren't for those statements, the outcome would likely have been different. Additionally, the moving party must establish that they timely objected to the statements, requested a curative instruction, or moved for a mistrial during the trial. 4. Different Types of Motions: There can be variations of the Motion for NOV or a New Trial based on prejudicial statements. For example: a. Motion for NOV based on Prejudicial Statements: This motion argues that the prejudicial statements so tainted the trial that there was not enough evidence to support the jury's verdict, irrespective of other evidence presented. b. Motion for New Trial based on Prejudicial Statements: This motion requests a new trial solely on the grounds that the prejudicial statements unduly influenced the jury's decision, thus affecting the fairness of the trial. 5. Legal Standards: The court will review the motion and assess the prejudicial statements taking into account legal standards such as harmless error rule, substantial rights test, and the doctrine of curative instructions. 6. Burden of Proof: The moving party bears the burden of proof to convince the court that the prejudicial statement(s) had a substantial impact on the jury's decision or rendered the trial unfair. This typically requires strong evidence and persuasive arguments. 7. Remedies Sought: The remedies requested in the motion can vary. The moving party may seek either a judgment in their favor (NOV) or a new trial, and they may request additional relief if necessary, such as attorney's fees or costs. In conclusion, a New York Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, or in the Alternative, for a New Trial — for prejudicial statements at trial allows parties to challenge the jury's decision based on the impact of prejudicial statements made during the trial. These motions can be crucial in seeking a fair and just outcome in a case.